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US Destroyer USS Roosevelt Deployed Near Cyprus Amidst Regional Tensions

Published January 22, 2026, 21:07
US Destroyer USS Roosevelt Deployed Near Cyprus Amidst Regional Tensions

The US destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG-80) has moved from the Persian Gulf to the Eastern Mediterranean, near Cyprus, according to reports on X. The ship is equipped with an advanced Aegis ballistic missile defense system, including SM-3 interceptors, and has previously been used to help protect Israel from Iranian attacks. The Roosevelt’s deployment comes during a period of heightened tensions in the region and as Israel prepares for the possibility of a wider conflict with Iran. Israel is drawing up plans to evacuate civilian aircraft in the event of war. The USS Roosevelt has been deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean during periods of increased Iran-Israel tension, contributing to deterrence and readiness. However, there are no public confirmations of the ship directly intercepting missiles or UAVs. The activity of the Roosevelt’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter has been tracked near Cyprus, based on flight monitoring data, confirming its presence in the area.